Due to an upcoming wedding in 2014 I need to cut down on the amount of bikes I have so I'm looking for a bit of an all rounder. I've narrowed it down to the Skookum and El Mariachi but I can't decide between the two. It will be used for general commuting and off road duties. I like the fact that I can add hub gears to both bikes and I guess the added bonus with the Skookum is that it can run a belt drive if I decide to go that way in the future.
I can't decide which would be best so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
In true STW style I will recommend my bike the El Mar. It's the only bike I have truly thoroughly enjoyed riding everytime. My FS doesn't get used anymore. I have put slicks in it and done a 100 mile sportive on it and it was comfy. I've done 2 24 hour solo races on it (1 was singlespeeding) I think it's. A great frame that rides well.
I have a Skookum and am about to buy an El a Mariachi.
The Skookum is a lovely riding frame that I would happily have a second off but that's a bit greedy/odd!
letmetalktomark- Any reason you are buying the El mariachi when you already have the Skookum?
Shiny new thing syndrome .....
can I ask the build weights of the bikes please??/
My Skookum is SS with a Lefty .... 24lbs ish.
I've an El-Mariachi, can't fault it so I figure that's a recommendation! Had a swift before it, it's a little stiffer, but in every other way it's just the same but different.
I love the start of this thread: I really need to cut down on bikes so I need a new one....!
I know the frame weight of the El Mariachi is about 5.5lbs in a medium but does anyone know the Skookum frame weight.
Andy- I'm selling all my bikes and just buying a frame to build up with existing parts.
Out goes the kaffenback, soul. Inbred and old holdsworth. Just need the one bike to cover all bases.
My el mar has been a good all rounder , did honc with drop bars fitted
Commuted with slicks and guards
And is currently build with a rohloff for winter
What size os the kaffenback may be interested in buying it when it comes up for sale
I had an El Mariachi, my first 29er. Lovely paint and finish and could take a rack, etc. But I just didn't become attached to it..! Just never felt involved with it and it is a heavy frame - mine was a large. I know that Scotroutes/Druidh also has one and recently admitted that he never felt attachment to/with it. He ran carbon rigid forks with his.
I sold it one and bought an On-One Lurcher and am happy with my decision; it is way lighter but is admittedly much, much stiffer. This does make for a far more sprightly and involving ride whereas I thought the El Mar would kinda deaden things.
Just my opinion, of course. I daresay that a lightweight El Mar build, perhaps rigid carbon forks, may be entirely different!
karnali, Sorry my brother is having the kaffenback.
Another happy el mar owner here.
mines an xl and about 23-24lbs, really pleased with it.
been running it singlespeed for about 18 months now just about to put some gears on.
Any more Skookum owners around?
About to buy an El Mar here.
Interestingly (or not) the quoted frame weight is much the same as an Inbred, which is meant to be the heaviest thing ever.
Interestingly (or not) the quoted frame weight is much the same as an Inbred, which is meant to be the heaviest thing ever.
It would be inappropriate to consider it a light steel frame; me large was [u]well[/u] into the 6lb territory IIRC.
It would be inappropriate to consider it a light steel frame; me large was well into the 6lb territory IIRC.
In my case, the rider's carrying sufficient extra weight that I'm not sure I'll notice 😛